CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.8
The Standard
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text, identifying which reasons and evidence support which point(s).
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Informational Text
What This Standard Means
Students need to find the author’s main points, then match each point with the reasons and evidence used to support it. They should be able to say, “This fact supports this claim because…” and not just list details from the text.
Mastery looks like a marked-up article with points labeled, evidence underlined, and clear explanations in the student’s own words. Students often confuse a topic with a point, pick interesting facts that do not support the point, or say evidence “proves it” without explaining how.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs a short article, sticky notes, and highlighters to label each author point and match it to supporting evidence.
- Ask students to write: Which piece of evidence best supports the author’s strongest point, and why?
- Use an exit ticket with one paragraph and ask students to name the point, one reason, and one supporting detail.
- Have students analyze a school lunch flyer and identify which facts support the claim that the meal choice is healthy.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.8
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What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.